2017 Gift Guide: Gifts for Early Elementary Ages (ages 5-8 or grades K-2)

The links in this post are affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link.

In my former life as a teacher, I taught first grade and then had the pleasure of working with all students in the computer lab. My students always spanned a wide spectrum of knowledge so I know that kids this age are the same way.

Kindergarten through second graders are experiencing huge development in their social, emotional, and academic skills. Gifts for early elementary ages should allow them to have fun while practicing what they know can also have the power to increase their confidence and self-esteem. Knowing your kids and their interests and skills should always drive your purchases and here are my top gifts for early elementary ages to help you wade through the endless options for this age group.

 

**GIVEAWAY** Hyper 16” Nitro Circus Motobike Kids’ Bike ($79 available exclusively at Walmart stores and Walmart.com)

One of the best ways to inspire kids to get outside even during the chilly winter months is to give them gear they’ll want to use like this super cool Hyper Nitro Circus bike that will make them want to ride off on exciting adventures. This kids’ moto bike features motocross-style fenders with authentic Nitro Circus graphics and a motocross saddle seat that adds extra style to this riding machine. It’s built with a steel oversized frame, a steel handlebar, 16-inch rims and knobby tires. It has standard size pedals and front brakes for an easy way to stop. With only one speed, there are no complicated gears. Training wheels are included for beginners who are still learning to ride. This 16-inch Hyper Nitro Circus bike can support up to 100 pounds and is easy to assemble but still, don’t wait until the last minute to put it together on Christmas Eve! Nitro Circus is providing a Hyper 16” Nitro Circus Motobike Kids’ Bike and Bell Sports Nitro Circus Youth Helmet to one lucky winner! Enter using the form at the bottom of this post. For ages 4+

Nintendo Switch ($299)

I have to be honest, I was not convinced my family needed another gaming system in our house until I visited Nintendo Headquarters last week and got to try the Nintendo Switch. I immediately understood the appeal of this hot new system that has been flying off the shelves. The joy comes from having a versatile device that can not only be played at home docked in a console for game play on the TV but also taken on the go for portable play. Game play is also flexible thanks to pairs of controllers called JoyCons that can be used attached during portable play or taken off and shared with a friend so you can game together. Like mini Wii controllers, JoyCons work as controllers since they each feature 4 buttons and a joystick. Separate them and give one to a friend so you can play together and add a couple more so you can play a 4 person game with more friends. Or hold one in each hand and wave them around to play a game like Arms (rated E10+) where the JoyCon will capture your movement as you fight in arenas against your opponent. Nintendo Switch is a cool hybrid system that promises lots more new games on the horizon and is fun for parents and kids alike. For ages 5+ Nintendo invited me to visit their Redmond, WA headquarters last week and paid for my travel and lodging however I personally paid for our Nintendo Switch, games, and accessories.

Time Tokens ($25.25)

Struggling with how to manage screen time in your house? Give the gift of Time Tokens this holiday season to help your child take charge of their own screen time. Developed by a mom and her son in England, TimeTokens help children aged 5-10 to limit their own screentime. By teaching them to manage everything from ipads, TV, games consoles to computers and smartphones, kids learn a healthy balance between screens and fun real life activities because the goal is to help young children to value other activities as much as they do screentime. Time Tokens make a great stocking stuffer! For ages 5+

Mayka Toy Block Tape for Legos ($36 for 6 rolls)

For kids who have dreamed of taking their Lego building beyond the floor, Mayka is the product of their dreams. This self-adhesive block tape is compatible with KRE-O, Mega Bloks, DUPLO, and Lego Bricks and includes 6 rolls of block tape in different colors that will allow you to build anywhere. This ultra-flexible tape lets you build around corners, on toys, upside down, and even on yourself! Each strip can be reused over 200 times and removes easily and reapplies in seconds without residue. It can also be cut to any shape and size for endless building with your favorite bricks. For ages 5+

Oregon Scientific SmartGlobe Explorer AR – Augmented Reality ($129.99)

Before you travel the world, build some background knowledge about geography in a tech savvy way thanks to Oregon Scientific’s SmartGlobe Explore AR that makes learning fun and interactive through augmented reality. With the new SmartGlobe you can watch the world come to life with the help of its handy mobile app (available via iTunes or Android.) After you download the app, just hold your camera up to the SmartGlobe to explore animals, landmarks, dinosaurs and more that pop up on your screen as you spin the globe. You can click on the images to learn facts about what’s in them, and thanks to the augmented reality component you can even snap a picture of yourself touching a lion or holding the Eiffel Tower in your hands. You can also use the attached pen to touch the globe and learn about each country’s history, national anthem, population and so much more. Plus, you can also open the globe to explore the earth’s core and solar system! For ages 5+

Dr. Panda Plus: Home Designer ($39.99)

Geared for kids 3-8, this virtual playhouse, allowing preschool through elementary ages to design their own homes, add furniture, and interact with characters. Home Designer comes with 51 customizable flashcards and 12 erasable markers. Kids color and customize their designs on the flashcards, and then use a smartphone or tablet to add their creation to the playhouse. While rooted in open sandbox play – there is also a mode for children to learn new words, improve phonics and develop basic spelling skills. For ages 3-8

Zipfy Mini Luge (from $42.51 on Amazon)

Get them ready for sledding this winter with a Zipfy Snow Sled! When my kids were little, we saw older kids zipping down the sledding hill on these and I knew we had to had them! These mini luges are lightweight, easy to steer, and hold up to 250 lbs making them strong enough for mom, dad, or a parent plus a kid! My kids used these for years and loved them! And in case you are wondering, the name is pronounced Zip-Fee. For ages 5+

Plasma Ball ($14.95)

Plasma Balls are just SO mesmerizing so why not give your kids one of their own this year so they can touch it to their heart’s content and watch as the lines of light respond to their energy. For ages 5+

Electric Air Hoverball ($11.95)

For kids who love soccer and insist on practicing their skills indoors, the Electric Air Hoverball is the perfect solution. It combines air hockey and soccer features in one ball that allows kids to use it as a gliding toy as well as a real soccer ball. It floats on a cushion of air provided by a fan that lets it glide over smooth surfaces while your walls are protected with bumpers and foam cushions around the perimeter. For ages 3+

Ultra Premium Colored Pencils with Wool Felt Wrap ($18.95)

Take your love of drawing on the road and keep your colored pencils in one place thanks to the Ultra Premium Colored Pencils Set with Wool Felt Wrap. Get the set of 24 pencils for $18.95 or double your colors with a set of 48 for $21.95.

Enter to Win a Hyper 16” Nitro Circus Motobike Kids’ Bike

My fabulous friends at Nitro Circus want to get your kids riding this holiday season and are providing a Hyper 16″ Nitro Circus Motobike Kids’ Bike plus a Bell Sports Nitro Circus Youth Helmet to keep them safe! Enter using the Rafflecopter form below and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2017 Holiday Gift Guides

Age Appropriate Gift Guides:

• Toddlers and Preschoolers
• Tweens
• Teens

Specialty Gift Guides:

• Top Tech Toys of the Year
• STEM Gifts for All Ages (preK-teen)
• Best Subscription Boxes
• Gadget Lovers
• Frequent Fliers
• 9 Gifts that Make it Easy for Families to Give Back
• Gifts for Teachers (from the perspective of a former teacher, with input from current teachers)

Samples were received to facilitate this post. Affiliate links are included in my gift guides. No compensation was received for this post or hosting this giveaway and all opinions are my own.